A group of whale watchers off the coast of Southern California had the rare privilege of witnessing the birth of a grey whale calf.

Video, shared by Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, shows the extraordinary event off the coast of Dana Point, between Los Angeles and San Diego.

The mother brings her newborn right up to a small boat, as if to show it off.

The young calf can be seen learning how to swim with the help of its mother.